While mobile phones bring many conveniences in your lives, their constant use can be lethal to your health especially while driving. Ironically, the more Dubai’s government is emphasizing on abandoning mobile’s usage while driving, the more people are indulging in this poor practice. Below is the comparison table to prove using mobile phones while driving is on the rise:
| Year | No of Cases Reported |
| 2013 | 35,734 |
| 2014 | 49,643 |
| 2015 | 59,891 |
The increasing number of incidents of using mobile phones while driving is causing more and more deaths every year. Statistics reveal that 198 people lost their lives in 2016 compared to 166 casualties in 2015. While we cannot truly determine if an accident is caused due to distracted driving, some incidents directly relate to this behavior.
Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of Dubai Traffic Police, said “Using a mobile phone paralyses the driver’s brain. People who use mobile phones while driving are like drunken drivers, they are a danger to themselves and to others.” “Think about your family before using your mobile phone while driving. Always remember that your family may not see you again because you insist on checking your social media account while driving and may die in a traffic accident as a result,” Brig Al Mazroui said.
The authorities ask you to abstain from taking calls, seeing and replying to text messages and checking social media accounts while driving. Even you should not use your mobile phone while waiting for the traffic signal to change.
The problem is motorists are not aware of the dangers of using the mobile phone while driving. This is the reason they are happy to pay the fine. The need of the hour is to change the people’s mindset. The government may have to increase the number of awareness campaigns per year and impose tougher punishments.
In this regard, The Federal Traffic Council has suggested Dh1,000 fine, 12 black points and impounding of the vehicle for 30 days. Currently, motorists are charged Dh200 fine and 4 black points on committing this crime. Dubai Police believes the tougher punishment will be helpful to curb motorists using mobile phones while driving and this in turn would reduce the traffic accidents.
I know we all receive calls and messages while driving and most of us are constantly on the move. Besides, sometimes it’s unavoidable to attend your phone device. In such cases, it’s wise to park your vehicle on the roadside and then use your phone. Furthermore, it’s advisable to put the phone on silent while driving and turn off the internet.